** MAKING AN IMPACT
------------------------------------------------------------

ASBN is committed to working with and alongside our network to develop and elevate the policy solutions needed for inclusive and long-lasting systems change -- thank you all for your part in advancing our mission.



** IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------

* TAKE NOTE & TAKE ACTION
* NEWS, STORIES & OPPORTUNITIES
* BECOME A NEW MEMBER
* GROWING GRASS UPDATES
* WORKING GROUP UPDATES
* INVESTORS CIRCLE CORNER



** TAKE NOTE & TAKE ACTION
------------------------------------------------------------


** Take Note
------------------------------------------------------------

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NEW YEAR’S NOTE

This week, ASBN's Executive Director, Camilla Taylor, shared some ins and outs to ring in the new year. She noted that we should feel empowered – whether in the workplace or as consumers – as we each have the ability to drive systems change for a more just economy.

Read her NYE story and more on her 2025 vision for ASBN (hint: we will focus on community, collective action, and transparency).
Explore More ([link removed])

NYSBC CELEBRATES CLIMATE CHANGE SUPERFUND ACT WIN

NY Governor Hochul has signed the Climate Change Superfund Act ([link removed]) into law, a monumental step in climate accountability. This law will collect $75 billion over 25 years from major oil and gas companies to fund climate adaptation measures across the state. It holds the biggest polluters responsible for the costs of their actions and inactions. The resulting funds will support critical infrastructure improvements such as upgrading stormwater and sewage systems and enhancing grid stability. The law comes as New York faces mounting climate-related expenses, and the state comptroller warns that climate costs will comprise over half of local governments' future expenditures.

In the years leading up to this historic moment, a coalition of dozens of business leaders called the New York Businesses for Climate Justice, co-led by the New York Sustainable Business Council (NYSBC), a state affiliate of ASBN, demanded the passage of this bill. NYSBC extends its gratitude to Senator Liz Krueger for her leadership on this groundbreaking legislation, to Governor Hochul for signing it into law, and to all the businesses that advocated for its passage.

🚨 ATTENTION STATE AFFILIATES 🚨

ASBN, in partnership with the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council and Upside ESG, will offer a value proposition webinar series that equips state and regional affiliates with tools to strengthen their value propositions, driving organizational growth and impact. Held quarterly, this series will focus on building operational excellence to attract best-fit members, partners, and funders while fostering engagement and collective sustainability. This series will be exclusively open to ASBN state and regional affiliates. Stay tuned for more information!
Not a member? Join today. ([link removed])

ASBC Texas Suit Update - Because everyone should have the freedom to invest in a just and sustainable future.

The American Sustainable Business Council ([link removed]) (ASBC) and its suit challenging SB 13 continue to garner media interest. ASBC is the membership and policy partner organization of the American Sustainable Business Network. Together with the American Sustainable Business Institute, our three partner organizations are making big impacts. See the latest highlights from ASBC’s suit:
1. Houston Chronicle | Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues BlackRock, State Street and Vanguard to protect coal ([link removed]) | December 7, 2024
2. Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance | The New Battleground in the Fight over ESG’s Role in Public Pension Investments: The Courtroom ([link removed]) | December 17, 2024

View the Complaint ([link removed]) , see the Press Release ([link removed]) and updates ([link removed]) .


** Take Action
------------------------------------------------------------

We are excited to announce that Camilla Taylor, ASBN Executive Director, will be speaking at the following conferences:

ReImagine Appalachia Summit | Jan 14th & 15th, 2025
[link removed]

ASBN will be at the 5th Annual Virtual Strategy Summit hosted by ReImagine Appalachia. This event is an opportunity to engage in discussions on clean manufacturing with considerations of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Join us to network and learn about the key work plan priorities shaping the upcoming year.
Register Now ([link removed])

Childhood Cancer Prevention Symposium | Feb 10th-13th, 2025

ASBN is proud to be a founding partner of the Childhood Cancer Prevention Initiative and a co-organizer of the second Childhood Cancer Prevention Symposium! You are invited to join us in Houston, Texas, on February 10 - 13, 2025. This exciting event brings together experts, researchers, and advocates to discuss the latest advancements and strategies in preventing childhood cancer.
[link removed]
Register ([link removed])

LA Fires – Support the Businesses and Communities Affected by Worsening Climate Disasters

Incident Map of the Palisades Fire, Los Angeles; C/o CAL FIRE

At ASBN, we are deeply disheartened at the devastating news of the fires that have rapidly spread across the Los Angeles region. Fueled by severe winds and dry conditions, these fires have grown quickly and led to mandatory evacuations.

The work of combatting climate change and standing up for a just and sustainable future for all - are especially fueling ASBN’s work today.

Please refer to this article ([link removed]) from the LA Times for an updated list of ways you can help.

Don’t miss out on the latest news! Join us by following ASBN across social media. Like and share some of our recent posts to voice your concerns and show your support for a more just and sustainable economy! It’s never been more important to stand together. We hope to see you there!
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]


** NEWS, STORIES & OPPORTUNITIES
------------------------------------------------------------


** ASBN Spotted
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]

As a 2023-24 Obama Scholar, ASBN Director of Indigenous Partnerships & Inclusive Economy, Terrius Harris' work was highlighted at last month’s 2024 Obama Foundation ([link removed]) Democracy Forum. We could not be more proud of his achievements!

Read Terrius’ thoughts on the recognition and join us in celebrating his success on LinkedIn ([link removed]) .


** Stories & Opportunities
------------------------------------------------------------

LESSONS LEARNED FROM ASBN MEMBER FORUM FOR THE FUTURE’S DISCUSSION

Explore one of ASBN/C member Forum for the Future’s latest posts, Shaping the future: Why business must lead on sustainability now, highlighting lessons learned from last month’s closed-door webinar. The panel featured perspectives from Camilla Taylor, Executive Director of the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN); Andrew Winston, sustainability expert and co-author of Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take (2021); and Alisha Bhagat, Futures Lead at Forum for the Future. Together, they explored how the election results are likely to impact businesses and how futures thinking can provide new perspectives and bolster resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Learn More ([link removed])


** ASBN in the News
------------------------------------------------------------
* EMS Now | Strength in Numbers: The Power of Collective Action in Sustainability ([link removed]) | December 11, 2024 | ASBN noted as a collective action organization in sustainability.


** Press Release
------------------------------------------------------------
* WLNS | 2nd Historic Childhood Cancer Prevention Symposium to Take Place at Texas Children's Hospital February 10-13, 2025 ([link removed]) | Dec 11, 2024 | ASBN is co-organizing this event ([link removed]) .


[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]


** BECOME A NEW MEMBER
------------------------------------------------------------

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TO BE FEATURED HERE AND REACH THOUSANDS OF ALIGNED BUSINESSES AND CONSUMERS? CONTACT OUR MEMBER TEAM (mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20am%20interested%20in%20becoming%20a%20member&body=) TODAY.


** GROWING GRASS UPDATES
------------------------------------------------------------

In conjunction with Other Half Processing, the American Sustainable Business Institute is the grantee and administrative home of the Growing GRASS project. Growing GRASS ([link removed]) is a five-year, $35 million project funded by the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant program, dedicated to improving the beef and buffalo byproduct supply chain. Contact Anna Straus (mailto:[email protected]) .
[link removed]

The Growing GRASS project team is looking for an Ingredients Team Lead ([link removed]) who can help increase understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and markets for regeneratively raised cattle and bison byproducts used as ingredients in food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and other related sectors.

If you have experience in this area and are committed to driving innovation in sustainable agriculture, the team would love to receive a proposal from you. This is your chance to play a key role in building supply chains for the byproducts of regeneratively raised livestock while supporting rural livelihoods and advancing climate solutions.

To learn more or submit a proposal, please visit the Growing GRASS website ([link removed]) .


** WORKING GROUP UPDATES
------------------------------------------------------------

ASBN’s Working Groups and Task Forces allow members to shape and engage in policy work organized around significant issue areas and specific campaigns. Contact the Member Team (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) to learn about working groups and other membership benefits.

We engage in public policy initiatives for safer chemicals and sustainable materials.

Contact Abby Maxwell (mailto:[email protected]) to get involved.

Emphasizes recycling, reuse, sharing, repair, and remanufacturing, and the reduction of waste, pollution, and carbon emissions throughout the economy.

Contact David Levine (mailto:[email protected]) to get involved.

The Clean Water is Good For Business Delaware River Watershed Steering Committee works with businesses to advocate for cleaner water. Sign up here ([link removed]) to receive the Clean Water Newsletter.

Contact Liza LaManna (mailto:[email protected]) to learn more about joining the Steering Committee.

Identifies key problems, solutions, and strategies to address our planet's climate and energy crisis.

Contact Abby Maxwell (mailto:[email protected]) to get involved.

Working with farmers and other agricultural stakeholders, we advocate for sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and support for underserved and BIPOC farmers.

Contact Liza LaManna (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) to get involved.

Contact the Member Team (mailto:[email protected]) to learn about working groups and other membership benefits.


** INVESTORS CIRCLE CORNER
------------------------------------------------------------


** Investors Circle News
------------------------------------------------------------

Investors Circle ([link removed]) (IC) has an over 30-year legacy connecting angels and other investors with early-stage and for-profit impact companies focused on providing social and/or environmental impact and financial returns, fostering a community where profit meets purpose.

IC’s community of investor-members has collectively deployed over $275 million into more than 350 companies. You can be part of both ASBN and IC, expanding your social and/or environmental impact in the world. Now, becoming a member of both ASBN and IC is even easier and more affordable. IC has opened up its IC Associate ([link removed]) Membership at a discounted price to our regular membership. The Associate Membership is for future investors, current investors, or anyone looking to learn more about the angel investment and impact investment community.

Join the Investors Circle community ([link removed]) and participate – providing time, treasure, and talent in service to improve the world by funding businesses for good. Please know that guests are always welcome to a limited number of complimentary IC gatherings.

All upcoming Investors Circle events are posted online ([link removed]) . Please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) to attend or if you have any questions.
* National Monthly Virtual Meeting: Held monthly on the first Thursday. In January’s meeting, IC will celebrate the success of two previous IC member portfolio companies that have new financing opportunities, Roar for Good and Honeycomb Credit, and also hear about one other new opportunity. We hold monthly National IC meetings on the third Thursday of each month.

Contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) for details.

Are you a current ASBN Member receiving this email by mistake?

If so, please contact our Member Team (mailto:[email protected]) so you can receive the members-only newsletter with more exclusive content and opportunities instead!
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

Copyright (C) 2025 American Sustainable Business Network. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email as someone who registered for an ASBN event or service, you have been a member, or you have communicated with ASBN previously.
Our mailing address is:
American Sustainable Business Network
712 H Street NE
PMB 42
Washington, DC 20002
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can
update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed])